The latest film by the acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárrituwill have the honor to open the upcoming Venice Film Festival. Starring Michael Keaton in the leading role, this is of course a title that will be in the mix for awards contention in the upcoming months.

Here is what Cineuropa had to say:

By Camillo De Marco

"Birdman" (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
), directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu ("Amores perros," "21 Grams," "Babel,""Biutiful") with Michael Keaton, will open the 71stVenice Film Festival (August 27– September 6, 2014) directed by Alberto Barbera.The world premiere will be screened, in Competition, on
the evening of 27 August in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema in Lido, following the opening ceremony hosted by Luisa Ranieri.

"Birdman"
(or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
) is a black comedy that tells the tale of a fading actor (Michael Keaton) – famous for playing an iconic superhero – faced with the difficulties and
unexpected events involved in producing a Broadway show that is supposed to re-launch his success. In the days preceding the opening night, he battles with
his ego and desperately tries to save his family, career and himself.